The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
May. 18, 1999
Filed:
Mar. 17, 1997
Toshiya Kosumi, Kadoma, JP;
Yoshinobu Fukuda, Higashiosaka, JP;
Exedy Corporation, Neyagawa, JP;
Abstract
The invention relates to a multi-plate clutch mechanism that includes a pressure plate mechanism is fixed to a first cylindrical portion with friction plates disposed between the pressure plate mechanism and a flywheel connected to the first cylindrical portion. The pressure plate mechanism includes a clutch cover supported on the first cylindrical portion. A pressure plate is disposed between the clutch cover and first and second friction plates and a diaphragm spring is disposed between the clutch cover and the pressure plate. A solid annular ring is disposed between the diaphragm spring and the pressure plate. A portion of a first surface of the solid annular ring is in contact with a corresponding surface of the pressure plate such that in response to movement of the diaphragm spring the solid annular ring flexes in an axial direction, and, in response to flexing in the axial direction a remaining portion of the first surface is moveable in and out of contact with the corresponding surface of the pressure plate.